I have written many a photography and editing tutorial, but never one regarding the very equipment that helps us get those beloved pictures. So, I thought I would dedicate a couple of posts to some hardware basics. (I am tackling lenses first because I have goodies that I’ve been dying to give away and cannot wait anymore.)
Most people who follow Everyday Elements have a digital SLR (or DSLR) which means they have lenses for that camera. Both camera and lenses need to be show care and undergo some maintenance to keep them in good condition. How should you be taking care of your DSLR lenses?
- Change lenses indoors, if you can manage it. If outdoors, block the wind with your body. Wind blows dust, dirt and more into our cameras and lenses if not blocked.
- Once you change lenses, quickly place the end cap on the removed lens, to prevent dirt and dust from setting into it. Also, quickly attach the new lens to the camera, to prevent dust and dirt getting into the end of the on-going lens and the camera sensor. And, while changing lenses, point them downward so dust and dirt won’t settle in.
- Keep the lens cap on the front glass when lens is not in use. Even better, place the lens in the protective cover that comes with it, or place in a padded camera bag.
- Use a filter or lens hood to protect the lens glass from getting scratched or broken. I do not use filters, rather I keep a lens hood on all my lenses, at all times; it is just a personal choice not to use filters.
- When dust and/or smudges are on the lens glass, use a microfiber cloth designed for optical lenses to wipe it off. Or, use the lens pen that I am sharing about later in this post. Be careful when cleaning the glass; if there is something like sand on your lens and you rub it with a cloth, you may scratch your lens.
- Use a soft brush to brush off dirt or sand. Do not rub those away as they may cause scratches to your glass. Or, you can also use some type of bulb air-blower to blow the dirt away.
“An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” Your lenses will be better served by preventing them from getting too dirty due to poor attention then by constantly cleaning them. This post from Digital Photography school shares this sentiment and also provides some additional tips for cleaning your lenses.
What is the lens pen I keep referring to? It is the Nikon LensPen and I absolutely love it!
One end has a retractable brush to softly dislodge and brush away dirt and particles.
Take the cap off the other end and there is a soft microfiber tip for wiping smudges and fingerprints off the lens glass.
I loved my Nikon LensPen so much that I actually went back to Amazon and bought three to give away here at Everyday Elements. The pen does not cost much, I think less than $10 (the price seems to fluctuate a bit), and there are off brands out there that run around $6. They are slim and oh so handy to throw into your camera bag so you have it with you whenever you need it.
Here is a picture of the LensPens, ready to be shipped to their new owners!
I am giving away a Nikon LensPen to three Everyday Elements readers! Here are the nitty gritty details:
- To enter simply leave a comment here, telling me how many lenses you own.
- One entry per person.
- The giveaway will end Friday, April 8th at 11 PM EST.
- Three winners will be chosen via Random.org and announced here at the blog.
- Winners will be sent an email to the address attached to their comment, so make sure it is the right one to reach you at. If not, leave the correct email address in the comment.
- Winners will have one week to send their mailing address to me, after which I will choose an alternate winner.
- This contest is for the United States only (I am sorry, but I cannot afford to ship globally).
Random Integer Generator
Here are your random numbers:
9 235 23
Timestamp: 2011-04-09 16:14:21 UTC
Giveaway is over, comment numbers 9, 235 and 23 are the winners. I am in the process of identifying those commenters and emailing them.
About Amanda
I have 3 lenses….so far…. 🙂
I own 3 lenses and am ready to add a macro or a fish eye soon!
I own 3 lenses
I own three counting the one that came with my camera 6 years ago.
I own 2 lenses with more to come in the near future!
Thank you for opening this up to Hawaii!
I currently own 3 lenses 🙂
My husband has three different lenses!!
I have 4 so far so I really need one of these 🙂
I just bought my first DSLR a few weeks agoI I only have one lens right now but plan on buying several more as soon as I can. I’d love to get started right by keeping the one clean. Happy to have found your website:D
I only own one lens. I actually just bought a used Nikon D90 and just got my first lens in the mail. I would LOVE one of these! Thanks for all the great info you share. You are amazing!!
I have three lenses as of right now 🙂
I have 3 lenses including the kit lens, but of course, I do have a wish list for a macro, a telephoto and an 85mm lens. lol
I have only 2 lens for now 🙂
i own two – the one that came with my camera and a thrifty fifty (my fave). thanks!
darn, missed it! I have two lenses anyway.
I only own one lens so far. Saving up for more!!
I have six lens but really only use two of them the majority of the time.
I own 3 lenses. the 18-55 kit lens, a 50mm 1.8, and a 70-300mm. This would come in real handy!
I own 3 lenses
would love to use one of these…
i have 5 lenses…..
3 but looking for a deal on my 4th 🙂
I have 2 lens….an 18 – 200 and a 50mm
I only have 2 : the ones that came with my camera!
I have four lenses and was happy to see that I follow all your good advice!
I have 5 lenses.
I just bought #3. Would love to try this!
Amanda, I have 5 lenses, but my favorites are the 50 prime and the 70-200 telephoto. I love your blog, classes and website – thank you for all your information that you so generously share!
I have 3 lenses and shoot western style photos, and my lenses are filthy! Would love to try one of these 🙂
I own 2 prime lenses and the kit lenses that came with the cameras.
I think I own 5. 50, 85, 18-200, 24-85, 70-300, 80-200-6 total
I owe 4 I think…